Removing social barriers.  Creating a community.  That’s family.

 

The Bridges Homeward Developmental Disabilities program

At Bridges Homeward, our commitment to inclusivity and permanency is reflected in everything we do. Our Developmental Disabilities program helps individuals build stronger relationships with as many supportive people in their life as possible. When people with disabilities have strong networks of friends and family, they meet life’s challenges more easily, set and work towards their goals effectively and advocate for themselves strongly.

We provide training, advocacy and social opportunities to individuals with disabilities and their families. Here, we help persons with disabilities become more independent in their communities. We provide an environment where the people we support can grow and thrive. At the same time, we empower families of individuals with disabilities to make the best decisions about the care and services they need.

 

Year-in and year-out, our case manager has provided invaluable support, advice, and guidance for our child's complex needs. Working with Bridges Homeward is truly a pleasure. They make it easy!

Bridges Homeward Client

A young woman with a developmental disability and a man are smiling as they talk about plants together in a greenhouse.

Helping persons with disabilities overcome the social barriers that may exist for them– while more fully integrating them into the community.

  • Communicate and coordinate with schools, day programs, employers and/or medical teams.

  • Assist with the financial support received from the Department of Developmental Services

  • Collaborate with the individual’s family to identify new ways they can offer support.

  • Help individuals and families navigate the system of public services.

  • Provide a range of tools, resources and individualized support.

  • Identify community members who may be willing to connect and be supportive to the individual and the family.

Family Stories

A young girl with a developmental disability looks at a book with her smiling mother.

Successfully navigate the system of public services.

Our team has extensive experience working with state agencies in Massachusetts. We will advocate for individuals with disabilities to remain in their homes with their supportive, loving families. We help individuals take advantage of all the resources available to them. In short, we are committed to opening doors for persons with disabilities to provide the opportunity for a rich and fulfilling life.

A boy with developmental disabilities paints a picture at a Bridges Homeward event.

We provide social opportunities through special events and community connections.

Helping an individual with disabilities more fully integrate into their community requires time, effort and confidence. We build that confidence by creating social opportunities for them outside the home. The events we host can include dances with family and friends, fall festivals, holiday parties, art nights, sports outings and more. We also encourage individuals and families to find social opportunities in their neighborhoods by connecting them with local houses of worship, recreation centers, and other community organizations.

A mother with a developmental disability cuddles with her son on their couch.

Finding Family Everywhere

Amy, a mother with developmental disabilities, was struggling to parent her child who was exhibiting serious behavioral issues. At times she was overwhelmed. Being a good parent was, and still is, the most important thing for Amy. She has worked very hard with us to not only improve her parenting and coping skills, but also to build her confidence as a mother. Thanks to the support and guidance we offered, Amy and her child are happily living together today.

 

Bridges Homeward partners with the state of Massachusetts to ensure individuals and families can take full advantage of all the services available to them.

 

  • We serve as the Family Support Center of the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services for Belmont, Cambridge, Somerville, Waltham, and Watertown.

  • We work in collaboration with the Departments of Developmental Services and Elementary and Secondary Education to provide in-home support for students receiving special education services.

  • Our Intensive Flexible Family Support Services Program helps prevent out-of-home placement of children ages 3 -18. We provide families intensive support to address short-term needs.

  • Through Agency with Choice we provide in-home respite caregivers and life skills trainers for individuals. We help them define their goals and select the best caregivers and trainers to help them achieve those goals.

 

Bridges Homeward is hiring skills trainers.

Skills trainers provide one-on-one direct support to persons with a developmental disability. This support includes helping them improve their skills and abilities, become more independent, and engage in community activities and employment. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule. Experience in providing support to individuals with a developmental disability is required. If you are interested in learning more about this fulfilling opportunity, please contact Brenda Beaton, Director of the Developmental Disabilities program at bbeaton@bridgeshomeward.org.

A young man with a developmental disability shakes Executive Director Bob Gittens's hand while Developmental Disabilities Program Director Brenda Beaton smiles in the background.

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